Michigan Senate Bill 1920 - "Growler fills in bars"

This bill was introduced in late 2012...it would allowed Class C liquor license (your normal, every day bar/pub) that has an SDM license (to go wine and beer) to be able to fill growlers. I can't seem to find any information about if it passed or not, has anyone heard anything, or had been following this from the beginning?

I have emailed Senator Dave Hildenbrand about the bill, as he is the sponsor. Thanks for any information.

It's actually Senate Bill 1290, and it was referred to the committee on regulatory reform in September, and then... nothing. I don't know what a normal timetable is; hopefully it didn't just die in committee.

Unless I'm reading it wrong, the bill only adds some text (the bolded text starting at the bottom of page 6) to the end of the given section of the liquor control code. The rest of it is just existing law and won't change due to this bill. The actual addition is:

(10) AN ELIGIBLE MERCHANT MAY REFILL GROWLERS WITH BEER FOR CONSUMPTION OFF THE PREMISES UNDER THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
(A) THE PREMISES WHERE THE REFILLING OF GROWLERS TAKES PLACE COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS UNDER THE FOOD LAW OF 2000, 2000 PA 92, MCL 289.1101 TO 289.8111.
(B) THE GROWLER IS CLEARLY LABELED AND SEALED IN A MANNER THAT COMPLIES WITH EXISTING REQUIREMENTS FOR LABELING AND SALE FOR CONSUMPTION OFF THE PREMISES.
(C) THE ELIGIBLE MERCHANT COMPLIES WITH ALL APPLICABLE RULES PROMULGATED BY THE COMMISSION.
(11) AS USED IN THIS SECTION:
(A) "ELIGIBLE MERCHANT" MEANS A PERSON THAT HOLDS A SPECIALLY DESIGNATED MERCHANT LICENSE AND A CLASS C LICENSE.
(B) "GROWLER" MEANS ANY CLEAN, REFILLABLE, RESEALABLE CONTAINER WITH A LIQUID CAPACITY THAT DOES NOT EXCEED 1 GALLON.

If some BA's really want to get behind this, it's possible to draft a letter, print the letter out, or even have a digital copy, and get a mailing list together at the Winter Beer Fest. We have 5,000+ Michigan residents there that all they would have to do is take this pre-written letter, address it to their own rep, sign it, and send it off. I'd be willing to put some time into something like that in the next couple weeks, if anyone else is interested in the same.

Unless I'm reading it wrong, the bill only adds some text (the bolded text starting at the bottom of page 6) to the end of the given section of the liquor control code. The rest of it is just existing law and won't change due to this bill. The actual addition is:

If some BA's really want to get behind this, it's possible to draft a letter, print the letter out, or even have a digital copy, and get a mailing list together at the Winter Beer Fest. We have 5,000+ Michigan residents there that all they would have to do is take this pre-written letter, address it to their own rep, sign it, and send it off. I'd be willing to put some time into something like that in the next couple weeks, if anyone else is interested in the same.

Which, I don't understand why just class C... We have a class B hotel license, which is fairly rare. We are allowed to sell bottles of booze to hotel guests, which is unique. I don't think I would be able to serve the growers with this current wording. But that's not important, it's a step in the right direction, and I'd like to see others prosper and maybe in the future make it so Class B could be included.

Which, I don't understand why just class C... We have a class B hotel license, which is fairly rare. We are allowed to sell bottles of booze to hotel guests, which is unique. I don't think I would be able to serve the growers with this current wording. But that's not important, it's a step in the right direction, and I'd like to see others prosper and maybe in the future make it so Class B could be included.

Which, I don't understand why just class C... We have a class B hotel license, which is fairly rare. We are allowed to sell bottles of booze to hotel guests, which is unique. I don't think I would be able to serve the growers with this current wording. But that's not important, it's a step in the right direction, and I'd like to see others prosper and maybe in the future make it so Class B could be included.

Click to expand...

I want to fill some vacation growlers this summer. Rock the Vote...or something!

Marc always reminded me of "Randy of the Redwoods" so political action was a given.

I believe that what you are referring to is the existing Michigan Liquor Control code of 1998, which seems to be the last time the licensing descriptions were amended. The bill in question would add the bolded text at the bottom to said code, reading:

"(10) AN ELIGIBLE MERCHANT MAY REFILL GROWLERS WITH BEER FOR
CONSUMPTION OFF THE PREMISES UNDER THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
(A) THE PREMISES WHERE THE REFILLING OF GROWLERS TAKES PLACE
COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS UNDER
THE FOOD LAW OF 2000, 2000 PA 92, MCL 289.1101 TO 289.8111.
(B) THE GROWLER IS CLEARLY LABELED AND SEALED IN A MANNER THAT
COMPLIES WITH EXISTING REQUIREMENTS FOR LABELING AND SALE FOR
CONSUMPTION OFF THE PREMISES.
(C) THE ELIGIBLE MERCHANT COMPLIES WITH ALL APPLICABLE RULES
PROMULGATED BY THE COMMISSION.
(11) AS USED IN THIS SECTION:
(A) "ELIGIBLE MERCHANT" MEANS A PERSON THAT HOLDS A SPECIALLY
DESIGNATED MERCHANT LICENSE AND A CLASS C LICENSE.
(B) "GROWLER" MEANS ANY CLEAN, REFILLABLE, RESEALABLE
CONTAINER WITH A LIQUID CAPACITY THAT DOES NOT EXCEED 1 GALLON. "

To me, this limits growler sales to Class C liquor licenses, with SDM licenses (meaning To Go ability)...Below is a link to the state of Michigan's website that lets you know what each individual liquor license is in any certain county. So if you're in Oakland County, and you want to know what pubs would be effected by this, feel free to check it out. This is public information. I'ma do alot more digging on this. Part of me wonders if this was pushed off till the end of the year, they may have to resubmit the bill...In that case, the wording of my letter will be very different.

I believe that what you are referring to is the existing Michigan Liquor Control code of 1998, which seems to be the last time the licensing descriptions were amended. The bill in question would add the bolded text at the bottom to said code, reading:

"(10) AN ELIGIBLE MERCHANT MAY REFILL GROWLERS WITH BEER FOR
CONSUMPTION OFF THE PREMISES UNDER THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
(A) THE PREMISES WHERE THE REFILLING OF GROWLERS TAKES PLACE
COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS UNDER
THE FOOD LAW OF 2000, 2000 PA 92, MCL 289.1101 TO 289.8111.
(B) THE GROWLER IS CLEARLY LABELED AND SEALED IN A MANNER THAT
COMPLIES WITH EXISTING REQUIREMENTS FOR LABELING AND SALE FOR
CONSUMPTION OFF THE PREMISES.
(C) THE ELIGIBLE MERCHANT COMPLIES WITH ALL APPLICABLE RULES
PROMULGATED BY THE COMMISSION.
(11) AS USED IN THIS SECTION:
(A) "ELIGIBLE MERCHANT" MEANS A PERSON THAT HOLDS A SPECIALLY
DESIGNATED MERCHANT LICENSE AND A CLASS C LICENSE.
(B) "GROWLER" MEANS ANY CLEAN, REFILLABLE, RESEALABLE
CONTAINER WITH A LIQUID CAPACITY THAT DOES NOT EXCEED 1 GALLON. "

To me, this limits growler sales to Class C liquor licenses, with SDM licenses (meaning To Go ability)...Below is a link to the state of Michigan's website that lets you know what each individual liquor license is in any certain county. So if you're in Oakland County, and you want to know what pubs would be effected by this, feel free to check it out. This is public information. I'ma do alot more digging on this. Part of me wonders if this was pushed off till the end of the year, they may have to resubmit the bill...In that case, the wording of my letter will be very different.

Sorry, I was trying to read this on a phone earlier and it was not clear how things were bolded. Full screen I can totally see it. I appreciate you guys trying to explain rather than point out my stupidity.

Sorry, I was trying to read this on a phone earlier and it was not clear how things were bolded. Full screen I can totally see it. I appreciate you guys trying to explain rather than point out my stupidity.

Click to expand...

HEY, we're in this together. Like I said, I'm gonna do some more research. I'm in discussion with a few of my distributor owners, to see what they have heard. Maybe after some eduamacated people get off work they will have some other input. Cheers!

Beer Trader

The labeling laws wants the container to list the contents, such as Ale and so fourth?

Click to expand...

Yes. The label has to truthfuly describe the contents. Presumably, stickers could be made for each beer which could then be placed on each growler. The surgeon general's warning also needs to be on the package. Growlers you get from breweries have these already, but I have a bunch for my homebrew that are blank.

Edit: Also, from a brewery perspective you want this to avoid situations where a growler is shared but 1) the person consuming doesn't know that he/she is drinking your beer and the person likes it or 2) the person thinks he/she is drinking your beer but it in fact it is someone else's beer and they dislike it.

Beer Trader

Was in a restaurant last saturday, actually a BBQ joint, and was surprised they had growlers there and filled them..Im sure they have been allowed to do this, but its the first time ive seen this at a restaurant.

Beer Trader

Was in a restaurant last saturday, actually a BBQ joint, and was surprised they had growlers there and filled them..Im sure they have been allowed to do this, but its the first time ive seen this at a restaurant.

Was in a restaurant last saturday, actually a BBQ joint, and was surprised they had growlers there and filled them..Im sure they have been allowed to do this, but its the first time ive seen this at a restaurant.

Yes. The label has to truthfuly describe the contents. Presumably, stickers could be made for each beer which could then be placed on each growler. The surgeon general's warning also needs to be on the package. Growlers you get from breweries have these already, but I have a bunch for my homebrew that are blank.

Edit: Also, from a brewery perspective you want this to avoid situations where a growler is shared but 1) the person consuming doesn't know that he/she is drinking your beer and the person likes it or 2) the person thinks he/she is drinking your beer but it in fact it is someone else's beer and they dislike it.

Click to expand...

I totally understand your Edit: points. Sanitation wise also, I can see that being a big issue. Have you verbally or in writing opposed this bill? After researching this yesterday, I was already pricing 32 oz. swing top growlers that would have our bar's information on it, and sell those. As to avoid any of these issues.

I brought my own swing top growler into founders and they just had a sticker they barely stuck on it. Guy said ill just place this on here so you can remove it. Shouldn't be too hard to do that at a bar.

All ya gotta do is put this on there:
Ingredients: Water, Yeast, Barley, Hops.
Pregnant Ladies, don't drink this, yo baby will have its eyes too far apart when its bornt

Beer Trader

I totally understand your Edit: points. Sanitation wise also, I can see that being a big issue. Have you verbally or in writing opposed this bill? After researching this yesterday, I was already pricing 32 oz. swing top growlers that would have our bar's information on it, and sell those. As to avoid any of these issues.

Click to expand...

I have not been involved at all in the bill. As a beer drinker I would love to be able to get growlers at other locations. If you have other questions let me know.

Also, on the growlers, watch out for the 32oz swing tops because the openings are not large enough to allow you to bottom fill of a tap with a piece of tubing. I've been looking for someone who makes 32oz growlers with the larger openings that 64oz growlers have but have not found any.

I have not been involved at all in the bill. As a beer drinker I would love to be able to get growlers at other locations. If you have other questions let me know.

Also, on the growlers, watch out for the 32oz swing tops because the openings are not large enough to allow you to bottom fill of a tap with a piece of tubing. I've been looking for someone who makes 32oz growlers with the larger openings that 64oz growlers have but have not found any.

Click to expand...

agree that this is a problem that bars/pubs won't be prepared for, but couldn't it be easily solved by having two sets of tubing with different diameters?

Beer Trader

agree that this is a problem that bars/pubs won't be prepared for, but couldn't it be easily solved by having two sets of tubing with different diameters?

Click to expand...

The difficulty for me is finding a diameter that fits over my faucets. I guess I have to be honest and admit that I haven't invested too much time into it. I guess I am buying tubing this weekend to test.

Also, on the growlers, watch out for the 32oz swing tops because the openings are not large enough to allow you to bottom fill of a tap with a piece of tubing. I've been looking for someone who makes 32oz growlers with the larger openings that 64oz growlers have but have not found any.